Maximize space in your home

Have you ever seen the HGTV show Tiny Houses? It's absolutely fascinating watching how homeowners, sometimes families of four or five people, can make a 300 square-foot space functional AND comfortable for everyday living. While the style, layout and decor of these tiny homes vary drastically, there is one common characteristic that can be found in them all – incredibly smart space saving innovations.

Even if you have an additional 2,000 square-feet of space at your disposal, every homeowner can benefit from clever space saving solutions. Here are a few ways that you can make the most of space in your home that you didn't even know was there!

1. In a tight bathroom, bedroom or kitchen, add shelving in the spaces between wall studs. It's a simple DIY project that you can tackle yourself with a little online research. Simply cut away the drywall where you'd like your storage unit, build a box using plywood, add shelves and a back, and hang the box, attaching to the studs. Some trim around the edges will complete the look.

2. Are your night tables taking up too much space in your bedroom? Get rid of clunky furniture and attach a small shelf to the wall. Find a cute wall sconce for bedside lighting.

3. If your garage is busting at the seams, overhead ceiling storage is the way to go. Build your own shelves or purchase a ceiling mounted rack from your local hardware store.

4. Look for inventive, double duty furniture. An ottoman that turns into a coffee table, a drop-leaf dining table or front entry benches with storage drawers are perfect for saving space while adding functionality.

5. Under stair storage cupboards or stair drawers look incredibly cool and are perfect for keeping your family's belongings out of sight. Look for ideas online.

There are also many ways to make a space feel larger. Use mirrors and other reflective surfaces, stay away from heavy drapery and use artwork or shelving to draw the eye upward in a room, creating the illusion of more space. (RMM)